Who is affected by irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is one of the most common intestinal disorders, affecting about 10% to 15% of people in North America.¹ But only about 30% of the people who have IBS will see a doctor for their symptoms.²

IBS is twice as common in women as in men.¹ In the United States, it is estimated to occur in 14% to 24% of women and 5% to 19% of men.³ The condition is also common in India, Japan, and China.

Citations

1. American College of Gastroenterology Functional Gastrointestinal Disorders Task Force (2002). Evidence-based position statement on the management of irritable bowel syndrome in North America. American Journal of Gastroenterology, 97(11, Suppl): S1–S26.

2. Olden KW (2002). Diagnosis of irritable bowel syndrome. Gastroenterology, 122(6): 1701–1714.

3. Spanier JA, et al. (2003). A systematic review of alternative therapies in the irritable bowel syndrome. Archives of Internal Medicine, 163(3): 265–274.